Thursday, February 19, 2015

I've always been mad about tuition prices and degree dumping. I honour the public school system to a point until it becomes unfair.
In an article by webucator founder Nat Dunn says:
Studies often compare what college graduates make compared to high school graduates. For example, this Pew Research Center article
points out that college graduates ages 25 to 32 who are working full
time earn about $17,500 more per year than high school graduates of the
same age. What these studies do not tell us is how well those college
graduates would have done if they had decided not to go to college. In
other words, is it the college education/degree that leads to higher
paying jobs or is it that people who choose to go to college have more
going for them, whether it be intelligence or drive or connections,
already? And it is whatever that more is that leads to better paying jobs whether or not they go to college.
What if, for example, instead of going to college some high school
graduates spent four years studying at the public library? Could they do
as well as if at four-years of college?
Interesting question. How many amazing on-line courses are out there? Webucator has just offered all of its courses for free to the public library system. World Science University and Great Courses are other favorites of mine. I've used them when homeschooling my kids and advancing my own education. I think people should always be learning, but I don't think I can soundly make a career from a seat at my local library. I don't think employers take on-line education seriously. Sure, they should use it to motivate, and improve their staff, but when hiring they want to see your piece of paper proving how smart you are. It's a shame because I also can't afford tuition costs.
On the other side, I am a writer. Do I need an English Degree? No. I took all my courses on line or at conventions. The writers I know with degrees might get paid better, but many times they are a pen for hire and don't get to chose what topic they write about. That is not the career for me.
So sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. It's up to you what you do with your brain. It can be used for more that just your job.
Most important I want to stress the importance of the library. This is a place full of energy and discovery. A place to set free your imagination and creative spirit.A place to find an answer to anything.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Inkitt’s “Darkest Place” Horror Contest, starting 2nd Feb 2015Friends, come to Inkitt and vote for my story "The Hidden Twin".
With the most votes I can win stuff. Want to submit? here's the info:
What is Inkitt?
Inkitt
is a free platform for writers to cultivate ideas and watch their
stories grow. On our site, users collaborate with fellow writers and
readers to give each other feedback and improve their work. Our vision
is to help writers get the exposure they deserve and the publishing
deals they covet without having to jump through the fiery hoops of
traditional publishing, or wade in the shark-infested waters of
self-publishing.
What is the theme of the horror contest?
"You
are in the darkest place in the world." (This theme can be interpreted
literally or figuratively.) We want writers who will submit their
blood-curdlers, spine-tinglers, skin-crawlers, and hair-raisers; writers
who will make it their duty to scare and shock their readers; writers
who can really take us to the darkest place in the world.
What are the guidelines?
It’s all about fiction: flashes and shorts up to 10,000 words, written from any point of view.
Entries must be posted on the Inkitt contest page to be considered eligible.
The
contest opens on February 2nd and closes on February 28th. The contest
is completely free to enter, and authors will retain all rights to any
and all work submitted in the contest.
What are the prizes?
All
entrants will have the chance to show their work to a growing community
of authors and readers hungry for high-quality fiction and win the
following prizes:
1st Prize $25 Amazon gift card, Inkitt custom
mug, Inkitt custom notebook, custom cover design for the Inkitt story of
their choice (created by Inkitt’s designer).
2nd Prize $20 Amazon gift card, Inkitt custom mug, Inkitt custom notebook.
3rd Prize Inkitt custom mug, Inkitt custom notebook.
Contest URL Twitter Handle Hashtag www.inkitt.com/darkestplace @Inkitt #DarkestPlace

About Me

hallililburn(at)hotmail(dot)com
I have gained control of my once unstable life so, if you want me to be more interesting, grab a shovel and dig up some dirt! But beware, whatever "booty" you find is cursed, so you'll have to sign a non-disclosure agreement first. Check out amazon.com/author/hallililburn